Southampton City Council announces plans to welcome new Lord Mayor

Southampton will welcome its new Lord Mayor on Wednesday 14 May at a traditional Mayor Making ceremony at the O2 Guildhall.

The event will mark the start of the Lord Mayor’s year-long term of office and will be attended by civic dignitaries, councillors, and members of the public.

Mayor Making is an opportunity for the city to come together to appoint its new Lord Mayor, Councillor James Baillie, and Sheriff (Deputy Lord Mayor). It is one of Southampton’s oldest traditions, dating back over 800 years.

The Lord Mayor is recognised as the first citizen of Southampton and Honorary Admiral of the Port. The role is largely ceremonial but carries important ambassadorial responsibilities, representing the city locally, regionally, and nationally.

Southampton was granted Lord Mayor status in 2022. Queen Elizabeth II approved the honour as part of her Platinum Jubilee Civic Honours competition. Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal visited the Civic Centre in February 2023 to unveil the Letters Patent – the official document confirming the city’s Lord Mayor status.

This year’s Mayor Making ceremony will take place on 14 May at 11am. Councillor David Shields, who has served as Lord Mayor for the past year, will hand over the chain of office.

Councillor James Baillie, who has served as the city’s Sheriff (Deputy Lord Mayor) for the past 12 months, will take the oath and be confirmed as Lord Mayor. He will also announce his chosen charities for the year.

As Lord Mayor, Councillor Baillie will chair Full Council meetings and take on a wide range of civic duties, attending many events each week on behalf of the city and the council.

Doors open at 10.30am and the event is free to attend.